UPI Russia finds Premium partner

Pact includes Chan, Schwarzenegger pics

MOSCOW — Jackie Chan’s “Chinese Zodiac” will be the first of eight films to roll out in Russia under a new distribution deal between Universal Pictures Intl. Russia and Moscow-based distrib Premium Film.

Chan’s movie, which he scripted, directed and in which he performs all of the stunts, is the latest in his “Armour of God” franchise.

The distribution deal for Russia and former Soviet states excluding Ukraine was announced Thursday in Moscow by Vadim Ivanov, managing director of UPI Russia, and Aram Hovhannisyan, marketing director of Premium Film.

“Chinese Zodiac” will be followed by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Last Stand” and “Scary Movie 5.”

Premium Film has “selected great films with significant box office potential,” said Ivanov. “We’re looking forward to bringing these films to the Russian market.”

Hovhannisyan added, “When choosing a partner it was very important for us that UPI Russia very carefully consider the specifics of the Russian market when distributing large-scale movies.

“We have always admired the ability of our UPI colleagues to wisely localize and promote foreign movies and are pleased to be working together to distribute our upcoming slate.”

Premium Film was founded five years ago and the company releases more than 20 titles a year including wide release and art-house pictures. This year “My Week With Marilyn” was one of the pics on its release sked.